Ron Vlaar RSS feedhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/ron-vlaar
enVlaar nearing Villa return after surgeryRon Vlaar is eager to return to first-team action with Aston Villa after frustrating spell on the sidelines following knee surgery.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/vlaar-nearing-villa-return-after-knee-surgery
Ron Vlaar hopes to return to Aston Villa's starting line-up soon after undergoing a knee operation in January.
The defender suffered the injurywhen making a tackle during Villa's goalless draw with Crystal Palaceon New Year's Day and has not featured since.
He subsequently underwent surgery to correct the problemand was expected to miss six weeks as he recovered andhe is anticipating that his comeback match will arrive soon.
"At the moment I'm in the process of recuperating after having a scope on my knee," he told the club's official website.
"This latest injury is infuriating because I was feeling really good and looking forward to a lengthy run of games after overcoming a calf problem before Christmas.
"Unfortunately, that notion was ruled out in the early stages of the match against Crystal Palace on New Year's Day, when I twisted my knee while making a tackle.
"I ended up needing surgery, which is why I'm currently confined to the sidelines but I don't want to dwell on what has happened.
"I'm just looking forward to playing again as soon as possible."
Villa have failed to win a league match inVlaar'sabsence abd Paul Lambert's side sit 15th, just three points above the relegation zone.
news_articleTue, 20 Jan 2015 11:54:32 +0000327613 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comVlaar could miss six weeks with knee injuryAston Villa captain Ron Vlaar could miss up to six weeks of action with a knee injury, the club has confirmed.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/vlaar-could-miss-six-weeks-knee-injury
The centre-back limped out of Villa's 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on New Year's Day and missed last Sunday's 1-0 FA Cup victory over Blackpool.
Vlaar, who twice underwent knee surgery at previous club Feyenoord, subsequently went for a scan on the issue and he is set for a spell on the sidelines.
"Ron Vlaar expected to be out for four to six weeks with a knee injury," read apostfromVilla's officialTwitter account.
Manager Paul Lambert also took questions on Thursday about Villa's plans in the transfer market.
The Scot insists the club have received no offers for Vlaar ormidfielder Fabian Delph, who have both been linked with exits during the January transfer window.
Lambert did hint at interest in Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair, but would not be drawn on whether Villa would make a move for his services.
"He's a good player, I remember him at Swansea, but I'm conscious he's at another club,"said Lambert.
"There will be new players in this month and none now going out."
news_articleThu, 08 Jan 2015 15:34:13 +0000320050 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comLambert keen to keep Vlaar and slams agentAston Villa manager Paul Lambert slammed the behaviour of Ron Vlaars agent, as doubt on the players future remains.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/lambert-would-love-keep-vlaar-slams-agent
The Dutch centre-back, 29, is in the final season of his contract at Villa Park, having moved to the Midlands outfit from Feyenoord in 2012.
Vlaar's representative Arnold Oosterveer said earlier in November that the defenderwas in demand in mid-year, with Southampton among the suitors, and that it was time for him to "take a nice step".
Lambert hit back at Oosterveer, who also claimed Villa had not approached Vlaar's management, stating the player's agent had gone too far with his comments.
"I'm not blaming Ron in any shape or form. He's been great, [we've had] good dialogue with him but I don't think you can do what he [Oosterveer] did," Lambert told BBC Radio 5 live.
"The options are open for Ron because he's in his last year, but I don't think you should air your views... especially when they're not true.
"All you can do is your best to try and keep him. We are trying our best on that front."
Lambert rubbished Oosterveer's claim the two parties had not met to discuss Vlaar's future beyond the 2014-15 season.
"We have been speaking with Ron and the message from his agent was thanks but no thanks," Lambert said.
"I'd love to keep him. We've put our foot forward and I'm a bit annoyed the agent says the ball is in our court."
Villa host Southampton on Monday, looking to snap a seven-match winless streak - a run in which they have scored just once - while the Saints have won four on the trot.
news_articleSat, 22 Nov 2014 00:12:15 +0000291434 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comVlaar hurts calf in Dutch defeat to MexicoNetherlands and Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar looks set to be sidelined with a calf injury suffered on Wednesday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/vlaar-hurts-calf-dutch-loss
Vlaar, 29, came off just 24 minutes into Netherlands' 3-2 friendly loss to Mexico in Amsterdam.
Coach Guus Hiddink is unlikely to have the defender available for Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Latvia.
Vlaar has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Manchester United.
"It does not look good," Hiddink said.
"Ron has problems with his calf. It is not the same as the last time, that place was totally healed."
Robin van Persie could return from a hamstring injury for the clash with the Dutch desperate for a win after just one victory in their opening three Group A matches.
news_articleThu, 13 Nov 2014 04:03:00 +0000286168 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comVlaar: Villa players are feeling fans painAston Villa captain Ron Vlaar understands the fans concerns about the clubs alarming losing streak in the Premier League.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/vlaar-players-feeling-fans-pain
The 10 men of Villa conceded two goals in the final six minutes as they lost 2-1 at home to Tottenham last week - extending their losing streak to six games.
Villa's six consecutive league defeats is the club's worst run of results since 1963, when they lost 11 games on the bounce between March and May in Division One.
And Vlaar - who is rumoured to be the subject of interest from Manchester United - is desperate to stop the rut against West Ham at Upton Park on Saturday.
"All the players are well aware that we need to do better and start picking up points," the Dutchman said.
"It's still relatively early in the season but the last thing we want is to spend another winter looking over our shoulders towards the bottom of the Premier League table.
"I can certainly appreciate how Villa supporters must be feeling because the players feel exactly the same.
"But I'm convinced that one good result will give us the confidence to put a decent run of games together and start climbing."
news_articleFri, 07 Nov 2014 04:53:37 +0000282600 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comVlaar targets Villa return against EvertonAston Villa defender Ron Vlaar hopes to make his return from injury against Everton at Goodison Park after the international break.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/vlaar-targets-return-against-everton
The Netherlands centre-back has not featured since Villa's win over Hull City at theend of August, having picked up a calf injury.
In his absence, Villa initially coped well and moved into the upper reaches of the Premier League but Paul Lambert's side have lost their last three games without scoring.
Defeats to Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have seen Villa slip to 10th but Vlaar is hopeful he can bolster Lambert's options following the international break.
"My calf is improving all the time but I've already resigned myself to missing Holland's next two European Championship qualifiers," he told the Birmingham Mail.
"That would make the game against Everton at Goodison Park in two weeks'time my target for a comeback.
"It's so annoying to be missing crucial games against top sides."
Vlaar has been a regular feature at Villa Park since moving from Feyenoord in 2012 and was in fine form for Louis van Gaal's Dutch side at the World Cup in Brazil.
news_articleTue, 07 Oct 2014 08:23:15 +0000264661 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comLambert hoping to tie down Aston Villa trioAston Villa boss Paul Lambert is hoping to arrange new deals for Ron Vlaar, Fabian Delph and Jack Grealish in the near future.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/lambert-hoping-tie-trio-down
The trio will be out of contract at the end of the current season, and Lambert is keen to agree new terms with all three.
Vlaar and Delph have become among the first names of the team-sheet at Villa Park, while 19-year-old Grealish has impressed in his four appearances this season.
"We're talking to the respective parties about those so let'ssee what happens,"said Lambert.
"You've got to put your best foot forward as such.We're talking, which is a good thing, so we'll see what can be done."
"Vlaar and Delph are different from Jack because they're seasoned pros, we'll see what happens.
"Jack is developing. He's nowhere near the finished article but this is the best place to be because he's getting a chance to be around the first team.
"He'sgetting little bits here and there. But he's still so far from being an established player.He'sdeveloping, which is great, and hopefully something will be done."
news_articleFri, 26 Sep 2014 10:25:11 +0000259188 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comDelph, Vlaar on Lambert contract hit listAston Villa manager Paul Lambert said he was keen to secure the services of Fabian Delph and Ron Vlaar.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/delph-vlaar-lambert-hit-list
The Midlands club is flying in the infancy of the 2014-15 Premier League season, unbeaten in four matches with 10 points to sit outright second.
Villa's form makes for even better reading when compared to their run-in last term, which saw them survive the threat of relegation despite just four points from their final nine fixtures.
However, the mood at Villa Park could not be more different to the end of last season, Lambert himself signing on until 2018, following on from renewed contracts secured with striker GabrielAgbonlahor and defender Alan Hutton.
Midfielder Delph and defender Vlaar have contracts that expire at season's end, putting their future high on Lambert's priority list.
"That is the next thing on the agenda," Lambert said.
"The two lads [Agbonlahor and Hutton] have signed which is great. If we can get the other lads tied up that is what we will try to do."
Villa owner Randy Lerner had a change of tact after the club's surprising start to the campaign, opting against selling immediately and handing out new contracts.
"Football does that. It is totally unpredictable. The chairman has been great and he has been totally transparent," Lambert said.
"He [Lerner] is right behind the club and always has been as far as I'm concerned. Everything is really positive - new contracts, the way we've started the league.
"We are going to keep building it and if you get stability into the club it really helps. If that day comes when someone wants to take it on and the deal is right, as long as it is going to make Villa stronger then he will do it."
Christian Benteke has missed five months of football due to an Achilles injury, but Lambert said the latest on the Belgium international striker - who has 29 Premier League goals to his name for Villa from 60 appearances - was positive.
"It's massive for himself, he has trained all week and had no adverse reaction," Lambert said, after Benteke trained on Thursday.
"He has got to work to try to get back in the side."
news_articleFri, 19 Sep 2014 03:14:11 +0000254889 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comVlaar and Clasie pull out of Netherlands squadRon Vlaar and Jordy Clasie have withdrawn from Netherlands squad for the upcoming fixtures with Italy and Czech Republic due to injury.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/vlaar-and-clasie-withdraw-netherlands-squad
Guus Hiddink had named the duo in his first squad since returning for a second spell as Netherlands coach following Louis van Gaal's exit.
However, Aston Villa centre-back Vlaar is unavailable due to a calf injury, while Feyenoord midfielder Clasie has a hamstring complaint.
In their place come Celtic centre-back Virgil van Dijk and Paris Saint-Germain full-back Gregory van der Wiel.
Van Dijk's call-up is the first time he has been selected by the national team, while Van der Wiel's last appearance for Netherlands came in a friendly encounter with France in March.
Hiddink now has a 23-man party, with the likes of Arjen Robben, Rafael van der Vaart and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar all available.
Netherlands will face Italy in a friendly in Bari on Thursday, before they begin their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign in theCzech Republic on September 9.
news_articleTue, 02 Sep 2014 09:59:47 +0000244069 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comLambert slams disrespectful KoemanAston Villa boss Paul Lambert has accused Southampton counterpart Ronald Koeman of "disrespecting" his club in his pursuit of Ron Vlaar.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/lambert-slams-disrespectful-koeman
Koemans admiration for Villa captain Vlaar is no secret and the Dutch manager seems keen on a reunion with the defender, who played for him at Feyenoord.
The St Marys Stadium managerdescribed Vlaar as a perfect addition to every group last week and Lambert has taken aim at him for his comments.
I think he is disrespecting [Aston Villa] when you are talking about other teams players when they are still their players,Lambert said.
I think thats wrong.
I wouldnt mind if he picked up the phone, but you dont go public on it. Thats the thing that annoyed me the most and the stance is still exactly the same with Ron.
The 29-year-old defender joined Villa in July 2012 and has been a first-team regular ever since.
And Lambert does not believe the thought a potential move to Southampton is affecting Vlaar.
I dont have a problem [with Ron], he added.
You saw Ron play on Saturday, he was fantastic for us so I dont think anything like that is preying on his mind at all.
I just thought it was the wrong thing to have done [from Koeman].
Villa started their Premier League season with a 1-0 win at Stoke City and host Newcastle United on Saturday.
news_articleTue, 19 Aug 2014 09:39:56 +0000234341 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comLambert not concerned about Vlaar speculationAston Villa manager Paul Lambert claims he is not concerned about rumours linking captain Ron Vlaar with a move to Southampton.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/lambert-not-concerned-about-vlaar-speculation
The Netherlands international is reported to be a target for Southampton, who are said to viewthe former Feyenoord man as the ideal replacement for Dejan Lovren.
Vlaar enjoyed an excellent World Cup campaign under the stewardship of new Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal and he was even linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
However, with Villa set to begin their Premier League campaign at Stoke City on Saturday, Lambert foresees no problems with his captain and insisted that Vlaar has in no way actively sought a transfer.
He told reporters: "To be fair to Ron, he has not come to us or anything.
"We have had little chats here and there, but I think his main concern was getting back after the World Cup, getting fit and hopefully being ready for Saturday.
"That is where he has been. I have a good rapport with Ron, so I don't have any problem with that whatsoever."
While Vlaar could be involved on Saturday, two players who will definitely miss out are attacking duo Christian Benteke (Achilles)and Libor Kozak (broken leg), but Lambert believes the pair are progressing well.
"I don't put a time limit on it because their two injuries were really bad," he added. "But Christian has started jogging outside, so he is doing well. Libor is doing great.
"So a few weeks I think. What will help us certainly will be the international break."
One player many expect to arrive at Villa Park before the end of the transfer window is Colombia international midfielder Carlos Sanchez, but Lambert refused to outright confirm or deny whether the Elche star is a target.
"The situation is he's not our player," Lambert said. "We will have to see what happens over the next few days.
"There's not too much to say on it. I'm not going to talk about someone who is not our player."
news_articleThu, 14 Aug 2014 17:14:43 +0000231297 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comVlaar returns as Parma hold Aston VillaAston Villa captain Ron Vlaar made his return to club action on Saturday as Paul Lamberts men were held to a 0-0 draw by Parma.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/vlaar-returns-parma-hold-villa
The Netherlands international has been strongly linked with a move away from Villa Park after starring in his country's run to the World Cup semi-finals.
But he helped the Premier League club to a clean sheet at Villa Parkas they rounded off their preparations for the new season, which gets underway next week.
Serie A side Parma provided Villa with a stern test, and both teams created their fair share of chances to win the game, particularly in the first half.
Parma generally looked the more dangerous before the break and they went close early on whenJonathan Biabiany found space in the penalty area, only to skew his shot wide.
Andreas Weimann almost put Villa ahead with 11 minutes on the clock, but the Austrian saw his stinging drive well-saved by Antonio Mirante.
Brad Guzan was then forced into a save from the lively Biabiany,before Raffaele Palladino hit a shot into the side-netting shortly after.
Lambert introduced Vlaar at half-time, and that change seemed to stabiliseVilla's defence and give them more confidence going forward.
New signing Kieran Richardson nearly netted in style as he struck a 30-yard volley just over the crossbar after an hour, while Gabriel Agbonlahor missed the target from close range late on to ensure the match finished goalless.
news_articleSat, 09 Aug 2014 16:29:37 +0000227863 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comLambert: Vlaar loves it at Aston VillaAston Villa manager Paul Lambert plans to have talks with Ron Vlaar, but said the defender loves it at the club.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/lambert-vlaar-loves-it-villa
After an impressive FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the Netherlands international has been linked with a move away from the Premier League outfit.
Vlaar, 29, watched on as Villa slumped to a 4-1 loss to Groningen in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.
Lambert has already had a chat with Vlaar, but plans to have further discussions with the Dutchman.
"I had a really brief conversation with Ron. No doubt I will sit with him when we have a bit more time when we're back," he told the club's website.
"He's positive and raring to go. He's looking forward to getting going. That, it itself, is a plus.
"He loves it here. That's him back now. He's looking forward to the Stoke game."
Christian Benteke (Achilles) and Libor Kozak (leg) will miss the start of the Premier League season, while Joe Cole may do likewise.
Lambert said: "In terms of injuries, Libor is doing great. He won't be fit for the start of the season. Christian won't be fit either. But they are both ahead of their scheduled time.
"Joe is doing great. He started running again. We will see how he is next week.
"But Libor and Christian, as our long-term injuries, are doing really well."
news_articleSun, 03 Aug 2014 01:23:08 +0000223576 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comDefeat has overshadowed display, says VlaarRon Vlaar admits the Netherlands FIFA World Cup exit has tainted his impressive performance in their semi-final loss to Argentina.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/defeat-has-overshadowed-display-vlaar
The centre-half was arguably the best player on show as the sides played out a goalless draw over 120 minutes, routinely foiling Lionel Messi and his attacking cohorts.
However, the night ultimately ended in disappointment, Vlaar missing the opening spot-kick as his side lost 4-2 on penalties.
He said: "Maybe I played the best game of my life. I felt really confident. But there's only one thing that matters in sport and that's winning and that didn't happen.
"All of the players are really disappointed. We really believed from the start of the tournament that we could get something and I'm proud of what we got but it's not enough and we wanted more.
"We were really close but it wasn't good enough to go through to the final.
"I believed in us from the start, we all believed in ourselves but it didn't happen. There's only one thing that counts and that's first place."
news_articleThu, 10 Jul 2014 17:44:09 +0000210212 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comThird-choice Vlaar wasnt nervousNetherlands defender Ron Vlaar was happy to take responsibility and his teams first penalty in the shootout after two team-mates declined.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/third-choice-vlaar-wasnt-nervous
Dutch coach Louis van Gaal asked two players to go first before settling for Vlaar, whose penalty was saved as the Netherlands suffered a 4-2 penalty shootout loss in their FIFA World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday.
Vlaar, who performed well during the 0-0 draw, understood the pressure he was under, only to shoot too straight and have his spot-kick kept out by Sergio Romero.
"I would never walk away from my responsibility. I wasn't nervous, I was focused, but it must go in and it didn't," he said.
"We didn't get that many chances (during the game). We could have created more chances, but we didn't. We didn't get the chance to score and that's a shame."
The Dutch scored four penalties in their shootout win over Costa Rica in the quarter-finals, while substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul was a hero with two saves.
Van Gaal said he wanted to bring on Krul again but ran out of substitutions, while number one goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen failed to stop one of Argentina's four shots.
"We took those penalties in an incredible way against Costa Rica," Van Gaal said.
"But the issue is you score the first one and I asked two players to take the first ball before ending up with Vlaar.
"I thought he was the best player on the pitch so should have a lot of confidence. It just goes to show it's not easy scoring in a penalty shootout."
Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder, the other player to have his penalty saved, said he disliked shootouts.
"I have to take part of the responsibility. It can sometimes go wrong. I hate shootouts so much," he told NOS.
As for hero Romero, he said there were would be celebrations before his team's attentions turn to Sunday's final against Germany.
He said: "We are celebrating along with our people and I am so happy. I dedicate this victory to my family."
news_articleThu, 10 Jul 2014 00:53:31 +0000209764 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com